Birds of Spain

563 bird species have been identified in Spain, including its outlying islands. The Canary and Balearic Islands are especially imporant.

Spain occupies 85% of the Iberian Peninsula which it shares with Portugal. With its 15 islands, Spain is the second largest country in Europe.

It is a constitutional monarchy. King Juan Carlos has served since 1975, i.e., after the overthrow of Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War.

Spain is mountainous with three climatic zones: the dry warm Mediterranean; the semiarid southeastern quarter of the country; and the oceanic the north quarter.

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December.

A magical thing

And sweet to remember.

"We are nearer to Spring

Than we were in September,”

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December.

(Oliver Herfordt)